Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy and natalizumab

J Neurol. 2011 Nov;258(11):1920-8. doi: 10.1007/s00415-011-6116-8. Epub 2011 Jun 7.

Abstract

Natalizumab (TYSABRI(®)), a specific α4-integrin antagonist, is approved as a second-line treatment of relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients who fail therapy with interferons or as first-line treatment of patients with highly active relapsing-remitting disease. Since the market introduction of natalizumab as a monotherapy in July of 2006, 111 cases of PML have been reported in natalizumab-treated MS patients as of April 2011. This review focuses on the available data regarding risk stratification for PML under long-term natalizumab therapy, and summarizes the current approach for PML management, as a natalizumab treatment complication is not necessarily associated with a fatal outcome. There is a need for development of surrogate markers that would help to better define the risk of PML in individual patients.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal / chemically induced*
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / drug therapy*
  • Natalizumab

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Natalizumab